25 Things Every Baby of the 80’s Wanted for Christmas
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I am a proud baby of the 80’s. During my childhood, there were no tablets, no iPhones, and we discovered the toys we wanted in the giant Sears catalog that came in the mail. It was a simpler time – a time where we had to entertain ourselves without the help of Netflix, Angry Birds, or the internet – and I loved every second of it.
This holiday season, I’m taking a little trip down memory lane. I’ve made a list of 25 things babies of the 80’s wanted for Christmas!
Nintendo was on the top of many Christmas lists. (I finally got mine in 1991.) Looking back, it’s crazy just how far video gaming systems have come.
It’s hard to see a picture of original Mario without the song getting stuck in your head. Betcha you’re humming the little diddy in your head right now. =) (You’re welcome.)
2. Teddy Ruxpin
Teddy Ruxpin was the talking bear who “read” stories to you. He was amazing – and I really wanted one!
3. Pogo Ball (links to a product VERY similar to the vintage Pogo Ball)
Pogo Ball is what they call it when you’re hopping and you’re bopping everywhere!
Bonus points if you also totally wanted a Skip-It!
4. Popple
Popples recently made a comeback too! You can find a new version of these plush pals that you could stuff into a ball at a retailer near you!
Another cool plush: Wuzzles!
5. Hugga Bunch
I LOVED my Hugga Bunch doll – and was also obsessed with the Hugga Bunch movie. (“You and me are the only ones who really like to hug anymore.”)
We also wanted Quints, Hot Looks Dolls, and My Child Dolls.
I’ll admit it – I still think these are pretty cool.
7. Pillow People
Before Pillow Pets and FlipaZoo, there were Pillow People!
(I had the one the little girl is hugging! It’s probably still in my parents’ attic!)
8. Lite Brite
The game we loved and our parents hated.
Also cool: Mouse Trap, Operation, Girl Talk, and Perfection
10. Transformers
*Bonus points if you read the word Transformers and then went, “More than meets the eye!”
11. Rainbow Brite
Rainbow Brite is back!! You can find lots of awesome books and other Rainbow Brite products at your local Hallmark! Back in the 80’s, I had a Sprite, but always wanted a Rainbow Brite doll of my own.
12. My Buddy/Kid Sister
“Wherever I go, he goes.”
13. Speak N’ Spell
This was one of the first forms of “edutainment.”
14. View Master
We spent hours staring up at our bedroom light through those little red viewers – happily clicking through slides of Winnie the Pooh, Donald Duck, Mary Poppins, and pictures of animals. (My kids still LOVE to play with this!)
The Cabbage Patch Kid may be one of the most quintessential 80’s toys. I had 3, and loved them so much. Confession – my oldest daughter is named after my Cabbage Patch Kid!!
We needed these to play all of our Debbie Gibson, NKOTB, and Paula Abdul tapes and singles!
17. Pound Puppy or Puppy Surprise
*Bonus if now you’re singing, “How many puppies are inside? 2, or 3, or 4, or 5? Surprise, surprise, puppy surprise!” You’re welcome. 😉
While My Little Ponies are still readily available thanks to an animated series and a big comeback, I still prefer the 80’s version. I had a bin full of ponies and clothes and shoes for them as well!
Real American Heroes – G.I. Joe! Go Joe!
Like My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake is back in a revamped state. She’s “berry” cute and sweet – but the 80’s version of Strawberry and her friends will always be my favorites.
I mean really – will there ever be another villain quite like the Purple Pieman of Porcupine Peak?!
I recently gave my set to my oldest daughter – and it’s been fun to watch her try to make the 80’s fashions look good.
I spent hours making designs with those little cogs and flimsy ballpoint pens. My son now enjoys my old set (although you can get a new version as well!)
Because who doesn’t want to wait for a light bulb to cook a brownie? 😉
Did you have a Big Wheel? My husband had a Smurf Big Wheel…(and the story of how another kid broke it still breaks my heart!)
What did you want for Christmas as a child? Leave me a note in the comments and let me know! Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with me today! Merry Christmas everyone.

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